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Subantarctic Islands

Scholarships for Subantartic Islands expedition

Issue date

Applications are open for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Heritage Expeditions Young Explorer scholarships, which will see a voyage to the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands next month.

The amazing journey to the wildlife-rich UNESCO World Heritage Site will depart Invercargill on January 17 and return on January 24. 

The advertised price is US$5000 / NZ$7355 per person but the RNZYS and Heritage Expeditions are offering a limited number of younger people (aged 18-30) the opportunity to join the expedition at a significantly reduced price of NZ$3750 per person.

Their aim is to create a league of ‘ambassadors’ inspired to help raise the profile and protect these precious areas, and the unique flora and fauna inhabiting them, for future generations.

They're looking for individuals who are as passionate as they are about giving a voice to, and protecting, New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean, and with a tie to the RNZYS. Whether you are studying science, a sailor, an artist, in media, involved in community organisations, a teacher or… they want to know how you will share your experience travelling aboard our expeditions on Spirit of Enderby alongside RNZYS members and an incredibly experienced expedition team of naturalists, biologists and historians on the trip of a lifetime.

Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands lying to the south of New Zealand are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This Southern Ocean expedition will appeal to those who are interested in birds, nature, botany and history. A vast array of wildlife including albatross, penguins, petrels, prions and marine mammals can be seen. The flora is equally fascinating; the majority of it being endemic to these islands. This expedition explores the three Auckland, Campbell and Snares Islands and allows participants to experience the astounding biodiversity and importance of these islands as a wildlife refuge. This expedition will forever change your appreciation of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.

A Few Questions to Start

If you can answer yes to the following questions, the RNZYS want to hear from you:

  • Are you aged 18-30 years?
  • How are you involved/associated with the RNZYS?
  • Can you contribute the scholarship fee for the expedition?
  • Will you share your adventure within three months of returning?

The Next Steps

Tell us why you should receive a scholarship and how the experience will benefit both you and New Zealand (how you plan on sharing your adventure). Creativity and passion are encouraged, and applications can be submitted in the medium that best suits you – just no more than 400 words or five minutes long.

Application checklist:

  • Full name and date of birth (proof of age may be required)
  • Address including daytime/after hours telephone numbers and email
  • Your scholarship submission (see above)
  • Name and address of one referee
  • Declaration that you have sufficient funds to pay the contribution required (funds are payable on confirmation of the scholarship berth)

Send your application to:

RNZYS / Heritage Expeditions Young Explorer Scholarship
Email: c/- sarah@wildearth-travel.com

Applications close: December 24, 2021 – but will be reviewed as received.